Brian Connell MP
National Party Forestry Spokesman

04 December 2003

National Hears Forestry Concerns

"Jim Anderton may not have wanted to meet with Timber Industry Federation Executive Director Wayne Coffey, but the National Party has been only too willing to hear from him and his colleagues," says National's Forestry spokesman Brian Connell.

"National attaches a lot of importance to the forestry industry and accordingly National Party leader, Dr Don Brash and myself took some time last night to hear timber industry concerns about this Government's anti-business policies.

"National inherently understands these concerns and once in Government we will work towards reducing the costs of doing business in this country so that hardworking, risk-taking New Zealanders can be justly rewarded and encouraged," Mr Connell says.

"Thank goodness Mr Coffey had the courage to tell Mr Anderton that action, not rhetoric was required.

"Rather than a petulant childish tantrum, Mr Anderton should have taken stock and simply asked how he thought the Government could improve its game. "The National Party is listening and we are looking forward to a constructive working relationship with the forestry sector when we are the Government from 2005," says Mr Connell.

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